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Jose Fonte

Cons: New man, maybe too soon to start him against City? A couple of appearances from the subs bench could bed him easier but arguably, the Hammers need him now.

Not the quickest at the age of 33, but makes up for it in his positioning. He will certainly have a tough test up against Sergio Aguero in his first match in claret and blue, should it be next Wednesday.

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James Collins

Pros: An experienced head in the backline is always crucial, and Ginge has plenty of that. A defender who loves the dirty side of the game, you can never question the Welshman’s commitment to the cause.

He is one of those typical “solid if unspectacular” type of defender. No nonsense, see ball boot ball.

James Collins is one possible deputy for Angelo Ogbonna (Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Cons: You could say age is against him at the age of 33, but that’s exactly the same age as the Hammers newest recruit in Fonte, so you can’t hold that against him.

A lack of pace is a knock against Collins if he gets turned, there is no getting back. Also, while Collins loves a challenge, his decision making isn’t the best and often jumps into making rash tackles far too easily.

Reece Oxford

Pros: Good enough to play in the Premier League, as we have seen last season by his displays, particularly against Arsenal on the opening day of the 2015/16 season.

Extremely confident with the ball at his feet, excellent positional awareness and a good eye for a pass, the teenager possesses the qualities needed to succeed at this level.

Reece Oxford is another option for Slaven Bilic

Cons: Age is the biggest reason. The adage if “you’re good enough, you’re old enough” doesn’t seem to apply to Oxford. With Ogbonna’s injury known about for weeks, maybe Oxford could have been brought in sooner?

Has been out for a long time with injury and probably isn’t fully up to speed yet for the rigours of Premier League football. But, his time will certainly come.